Quote:
Originally Posted by GioforPM
Prior to last year, a lot of the same complaints were made about Gaudreau as we now hear about Huberdeau. "Complementary player". "Can't find space any more".
I guess my question is - wouldn't Lindholm and Toffoli create some space for Huberdeau? Back when they tried Huberdeau-Lindholm, Lindy was struggling pretty hard. Lindy is a 2-way digger who can shoot (and in a couple shifts with Huberdeau lately looked OK). Toffoli is a natural RW who finds seams and has a good shot.
|
Yeah it’s a very generic complaint that could be said for a lot of struggling playmakers. I never really saw it that way though, I always looked at Gaudreau an elite driver with very specific flaws especially along the half wall in his own end. So I think it was more so about getting opportunities on the rush itself due to his line’s propensity to be hemmed in their own zone. I think Tkachuk helped fix that issue though and once that trio was finally formed, the entire line now had elite ability to check, rush and cycle which made them incredibly dangerous no matter what zone they started in.
As for Huberdeau-Lindholm-Toffoli, I don’t know to think with these guys. I know I didn’t like them at all together in October or December. I didn’t think they looked cohesive or dangerous on a shift by shift basis. Maybe things could change, who knows. But personally, I’m not sure their play styles match. I think Huberdeau is at his best when he can find the trailer or guys streaking towards the net whereas Lindholm and Toffoli are at their best checking for their chances.
Also, how often did we see Lindholm set up camp in the slot and unleash his one timer for a goal last season? We saw it quite often. But how often have we seen Huberdeau creating havoc behind the net and finding an open man in the slot this season? I honestly don’t recall many.
So for me, I’m not sure that line will ever necessarily fit. I honestly think Huberdeau would be a better fit with Backlund who can really push the pace in transition and distribute the puck to his to his wingers. But then you run into the problem of finishing which Backlund doesn’t excel at and plus, that Mangiapane-Backlund-Coleman line is hard to split because they’re so good. So yeah, It seems difficult trying to find the right fit which probably explains why this season has unfolded the way it has.